Power struggle is denied by Deng, touting stability

January 13, 1981

Communist Party Vice-Chairman Deng Xiaoping said that China was not involved in a power struggle and that the country's political situation was the most stable since the 1960s.Mr. Deng's comments appeared aimed at allaying possible foreign concern about recent political and economic moves, including reports that party Chairman Hua Guofeng was due to resign under pressure.

Peking authorities also appreared to be toning down criticism of the late Mao Tse-tung in a move diplomatic sources viewed as another move to present a stable China.